soil tests

Soil Test Warning: What North Carolina Gardeners Are Finding in Their Yards This January

January 15, 2026 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

January is not just a month for cozy sweaters and hot cocoa—it’s turning into a revelation for North Carolina gardeners. Across the state, backyard enthusiasts are rolling up their sleeves and digging into something a little less glamorous than snowdrifts: their soil. Soil tests done this month are yielding results that are both surprising and…

7 Soil Tests That Give the Best Results in Fall

November 19, 2025 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

As the leaves turn gold and the air starts carrying that crisp autumn scent, gardeners everywhere start thinking about how to prep their soil for the months ahead. Fall isn’t just a time for pumpkin spice lattes—it’s one of the best times to understand what’s happening underground. After the heat of summer, the soil has…

How To Get Free Seeds From The Government by Amanda Blankenship Seeds might seem like a small expense, but any seasoned…
Should I Use Enviro Ice On My Plants? by Kathryn Vercillo Every week, I receive food from Hungryroot. It's a great…
From Trash to Treasure: Transform Shredded Paper Into Garden Gold by Amanda Blankenship Should you use shredded paper as garden mulch? It might…
What Happens to Plants If You Use Enviro Ice on Them? by Amanda Blankenship About a year ago, I wrote our first article about…

What Is the Best Way to Water a Garden on Sloped Ground?

The best way to water a garden on sloped ground involves slowing water down before gravity turns it into a tiny downhill river. Drip irrigation, terracing, contour planting and careful watering habits can help moisture reach plant roots instead of racing across the soil and carrying precious topsoil with it. A flat garden gives water…

Can You Grow Blackcurrants in a Large Patio Container?

Yes, you can grow blackcurrants in a large patio container, although the size of that container matters a lot more than many gardeners expect. A blackcurrant bush does not want to spend its life squeezed into a decorative pot that looks charming beside the patio door but leaves its roots feeling like they have been…

6 Plants That Make a Gravel Garden Look Lush

A gravel garden does not have to look like a parking lot with a few plants awkwardly dropped into the middle. The right plants can make all that stone feel intentional, layered, colorful, and surprisingly lush without demanding constant watering or a full-time gardener with a wheelbarrow. The trick involves choosing plants that bring different…

6 Reasons Gardeners Are Mixing Herbs Into Flower Borders

Gardeners are mixing herbs into flower borders because a garden does not need to choose between looking beautiful and producing something useful. A border filled with flowers, fragrant foliage, and a few carefully placed herbs can create a garden that looks intentional while supplying fresh ingredients for the kitchen. This approach also solves a common…